Topical Bible: Prophecy: (Respecting Individuals, See Under Their Names): Haggai

◄ Prophecy: (Respecting Individuals, See Under Their Names): Haggai ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Haggai, a post-exilic prophet, is a significant figure in the Hebrew Bible, known for his role in encouraging the Jewish people to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem after their return from Babylonian exile. His prophecies are recorded in the Book of Haggai, which is part of the Minor Prophets in the Old Testament. Haggai's ministry is dated to the second year of King Darius of Persia, around 520 BC, a critical period for the Jewish community as they sought to re-establish their religious and communal life in their ancestral homeland.

Historical Context

The historical backdrop of Haggai's prophecy is the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon, following the decree of Cyrus the Great in 538 BC, which allowed them to return and rebuild the Temple. However, the initial enthusiasm waned, and the reconstruction efforts stalled due to opposition from surrounding peoples and internal apathy. It is into this context that Haggai delivers his prophetic messages, urging the people to prioritize the rebuilding of the Temple.

Message and Themes

Haggai's prophecy is concise, consisting of only two chapters, yet it is rich in theological and practical implications. The central theme of Haggai's message is the call to rebuild the Temple, which he presents as a divine imperative. Haggai emphasizes that the neglect of the Temple is the cause of the people's economic hardships, as seen in Haggai 1:6: "You have planted much but harvested little. You eat, but never have enough to be satisfied. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but never get warm. You earn wages to put into a bag pierced through."

Haggai's prophecy is structured around four distinct messages, each marked by a specific date. The first message (Haggai 1:1-11) calls the people to reflect on their priorities and the consequences of their neglect. The second message (Haggai 1:12-15) records the positive response of Zerubbabel, Joshua the high priest, and the remnant of the people, who begin the work on the Temple. The third message (Haggai 2:1-9) offers encouragement, promising that the glory of the new Temple will surpass that of the former. The final message (Haggai 2:10-23) addresses issues of purity and concludes with a promise of divine blessing and the elevation of Zerubbabel as a signet ring, symbolizing God's renewed covenant with His people.

Theological Significance

Haggai's prophecy underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands and the centrality of worship in the life of the covenant community. The rebuilding of the Temple is not merely a physical task but a spiritual renewal, signifying God's presence among His people. Haggai's messages also highlight the themes of divine sovereignty and providence, as God controls the fortunes of nations and the destiny of His people.

Furthermore, Haggai's prophecy has eschatological dimensions, as it points forward to the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of God's ultimate kingdom. The promise of greater glory for the new Temple is seen as a foreshadowing of the coming of Christ, who embodies the true presence of God among His people.

Conclusion

Haggai's prophetic ministry, though brief, played a crucial role in the restoration of the Jewish community after the exile. His messages continue to resonate with themes of faithfulness, divine presence, and hope for future glory. Through Haggai, believers are reminded of the importance of prioritizing God's work and trusting in His promises, even amidst challenges and uncertainties.

Nave's Topical Index

Haggai 2:1,10,20
In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the month, came the word of the LORD by the prophet Haggai, saying,
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close.
... The doubts of individuals, it is true, were still expressed respecting certain books
of ... without the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecy connected with it ...
/.../davidson/the canon of the bible/chapter ii the old testament.htm

The Hebrew Prophecies.
... delivered orally to the individuals concerned, or to ... and simultaneous continuation
of Isaian prophecy. ... interesting critical inquiries respecting the component ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter v the hebrew prophecies.htm

[Endnotes]
... 3. See also some singular speculations respecting it in ... authority conferred on him
"by prophecy," or in ... 23:7. There were probably more individuals present at ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/endnotes.htm